Being an Official Means (Almost) Never Having to Say You’re Sorry

Protesters demand an apology outside the Philippine consulate in Hong Kong on May 14, 2013, after a Taiwanese fisherman died in a fatal shooting by the Philippine Coast Guard.

Dolce & Gabbanna has said sorry. Hong Kong’s former leader has said sorry.

And if the city’s ombudsman has its way, a lot more people will be sounding penitent in Hong Kong in the years to come.

In recent months, the city has seen public apologies issued for everything from prohibitions on photography (in the case of Dolce & Gabbanna) to taking luxury trips with local tycoons (in the case of Donald Tsang, the city’s former chief executive). Now, the city’s ombudsman, which investigates complaints about public agencies, is pushing the government to consider legislation that would allow officials to say “I’m sorry” without fear of being sued.

Last year, the city’s ombudsman pursued 2,285 complaints made about public agencies’ conduct, ranging from disputes over the handling of noise ordinances to waste management. Apologies were issued in response to only 15% of the cases. And even when apologies were issued, the agency said, 85% came only after officials were pressed by the ombudsman.